From Prep Phenoms to Pro Powerhouses: Tracing the Roots of Top Athletes
For many elite athletes, the journey to professional stardom begins in high school. Some of today’s most distinguished sports figures owe their early development to the rigorous environments of high school preps. Schools like Chaminade Prep, Brentwood Academy, Highland Park High, La Jolla Country Day, Norcross High, and Allen High have been launching pads for careers spanning the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, WNBA, and UFC. The list of notable alumni from these institutions reads like a who’s who of professional sport, each athlete renowned for their exceptional achievements both in high school and beyond.
Chaminade Prep, St. Louis: Breeding Champions
At Chaminade Prep, the legacy of excellence is embodied by alumni like Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum, a current Boston Celtics star, made waves in high school by averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His high school dominance earned him the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Today, Tatum continues to be a force in the NBA, averaging 30.1 points per game this season and leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season.
Similarly, Tkachuk's trajectory from Chaminade Prep to the NHL has been remarkable. Leaving school after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, Tkachuk is now in his seventh NHL season. His offensive prowess is evident, with consecutive 40-goal seasons. This year, Tkachuk has played a key role in bringing the Florida Panthers to the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy, Tennessee: Producing Versatile Talents
Brentwood Academy has a history rich with versatile athletes, including NBA player Darius Garland and NFL star Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started varsity basketball in eighth grade, emerged victorious in four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads the team in assists and is a pivotal player, averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey’s multifaceted athleticism began at Brentwood, where he set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and earned accolades in multiple sports. Ramsey’s college career at Florida State led to a BCS national championship, and his professional endeavors have been equally impressive, with a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams and three All-Pro selections. Ramsey’s defensive prowess now bolsters the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High, Texas: Dual Threats on the Diamond and Gridiron
Highland Park High is renowned for producing exceptional dual-sport athletes like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who won a state championship in 2005, has become an NFL mainstay with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came when he led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Kershaw, a high school baseball legend, struck out 139 batters in a single season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. In the MLB, Kershaw’s career includes three Cy Young Awards, an NL MVP, and a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series triumph. Kershaw continues to chase postseason strikeout records, closely trailing Justin Verlander.
La Jolla Country Day, California: Basketball and Baseball Powerhouses
La Jolla Country Day’s alumni include basketball star Kelsey Plum and MLB player Tommy Edman. Plum’s high school career was stellar, scoring over 2,000 points and leading her team to a state championship. She was the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, and now, as a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, she has secured a WNBA title and averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Edman’s baseball journey saw him setting school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. His versatility has made him an invaluable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has a career batting average of .271 and consistently performs at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Norcross High, Georgia: Balanced Brilliance
Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter are two of Norcross High’s brightest stars. DeShields won three state basketball titles and was the No. 3 pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Her professional journey includes critical roles with the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, with a key bench contribution to the Sky's 2021 championship.
Carter’s high school football career included 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, he overcame an Achilles injury and now plays for the Atlanta Falcons with 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High, Texas: Undefeated Icons
Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal stand out among Allen High’s impressive alumni. Murray, who led his team to three state titles and won 43 consecutive games, accounted for an astounding 186 touchdowns in high school. His college career was highlighted by the 2018 Heisman Trophy, and he continues to excel as the Arizona Cardinals' quarterback, having led them to the 2021 playoffs.
Nickal, a standout in wrestling, claimed state championships in three weight classes in high school and went on to win three national titles with Penn State. Now in the UFC, he boasts an undefeated professional record after impressing in Dana White's Contender Series.
These high schools are more than just educational institutions; they are the fountainheads of athletic greatness. Each school has fostered the talents of young athletes, preparing them for the grand stages of professional sports, where they continue to make their mark and inspire the next generation.